Aug 7, 20221 min read

I Feel Free

By Tonya

My name is Tonya Thomas, and in February 2019, I was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 3 breast cancer.

I completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy over a 5 month period.

On Tuesday, August 27th, 2019, I underwent a double mastectomy. I wasn't sure how I would feel after the surgery.

Would I feel devastated, angry, sad, or less than a woman?

Would I feel less than a whole person?

Surprisingly, I didn't feel any of the things listed above. I feel free. I feel free to welcome this new version of me, and I love her even more.

SHE IS STRONG!

SHE IS AMAZING!

SHE IS ME!

Thank you for sharing your story, Tonya. SBC loves you!

SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support:

Upcoming
events

Multiple Dates
Meditation Affirmations: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Mon, Nov 18
Nov 18, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
Online Event
Nov 18, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
Online Event
The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around.
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Multiple Dates
Restorative Yoga with Kate: Follow your Gut
Mon, Nov 18
Nov 18, 2024, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM EST
Online Event
Nov 18, 2024, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM EST
Online Event
Did you know you have magical powers? We all can literally change our bodies through breath and movement. Experience this ancient practice and feel your own powers grow!
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Multiple Dates
Apoyo Emocional
Mon, Nov 18
Nov 18, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Virtual
Nov 18, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Virtual
Únete a nuestro grupo de apoyo emocional dirigido por una experimentada psicóloga para recibir el apoyo necesario mientras enfrentas el desafío del cáncer. El diagnóstico de cáncer puede traer consigo una carga emocional abrumadora, y estamos aquí para ayudarte a transitar este camino.
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Multiple Dates
Triage Cancer: Tips on Accessing Care
Tue, Nov 19
Nov 19, 2024, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
webinar
Nov 19, 2024, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
webinar
Triage Cancer Conferences cover key tips to help navigate legal and practical issues, reduce the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis, and lower stress.
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Multiple Dates
The Caregiver Huddle
Tue, Nov 19
Nov 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Zoom
Nov 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Zoom
Caregiver support groups for cancer patients provide a platform to explore ways of caring for a loved one while simultaneously receiving vital emotional and practical support for themselves.
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Multiple Dates
Thursday Nights Thrivers Meetup
Thu, Nov 21
Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM EST
Virtual
Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM EST
Virtual
This is your weekly breast cancer support group! It's a welcoming and inviting virtual space where you can come to meet others, ask questions, or just listen in. Our sessions are always confidential and a friendly space offering support as well a a bit of humor.
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Multiple Dates
MBC Support Group with Nancy Gaulin
Thu, Nov 21
Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Virtual
Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Virtual
Join us for our signature Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup! On the third Thursday of every month, we will have a special meeting for the MBC community. This space will be hosted by the incredible Psychologist Nancy Gaulin.
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1

Events and Webinars

Surviving Breast Cancer provides breast cancer support, events, and webinars at no cost to you! Whether you are looking to gain more knowledge on a particular topic or meet up with other breast cancer survivors, we have something for everyone.

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2

Thursday Night Thrivers MeetUp

Our standing appointment on Thursdays is for all stages. We also host specific breakout groups once a month for specific stages and subtypes such as Metastatic breast cancer, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer, etc.

Meet Up!

3

Breast Cancer Book Club

The Book Club meets the first Sunday of every month at 11 am ET. You are welcome to join each month or pick and choose your month based on your availability and the book we are reading.

Let's Read!

4

Healing Through The Arts

Through art, writing, and other creative modalities, we hold the power to manage our stress, make sense of our now, and relax into moments of stillness.

Fun Drawing!